The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
Open the gate to your apartment complex,
Your not getting off that easily.
I climb the fence,
The one that you've been sitting on.
(How long)
Before I'm just a memory,
(How long)
Before you can't remember me,
(How long?)Remember me.
I never had a choice
I never had a choice
To lead the choke homodyne
Round that to his doorway
I couldn't find the box to fix
The restless nagging in my brain
(How long?)
Before I'm just a memory,
(How long?)
Before you can't remember me,
(How long?)Remember me.
Lover, lover, on the fence
Bat your eyes, ball a fist
And swing (swing) swing (swing)
Before you leave
Lover, lover, tell me this
Passion over consequence,
When did the latter take the lead?
Just swing
Just swing, (swing), swing, (swing), swing
I never had a choice,
I never had a choice,
The evening lit itself
And watched my reservations fall to the floor
Fall to the floor
Now sing with me
(How long?)
Before I'm just a memory
(How long?)
Before you can't remember me,
(How long?)Remember me.
Lover, lover, on the fence
Bat your eyes, ball a fist
And swing (swing) swing (swing)
Before you leave
Lover, lover, tell me this
Passion over consequence,
When did the latter take the lead?
Just swing
Open the gate to your apartment complex
Did you forget love, your who called for me?
(Did you forget, did you forget?)
How long did you expect to keep me waiting?
How long before I'm just a memory?
Lover, lover, on the fence
Bat your eyes, ball a fist
And swing (swing) swing (swing)
Before you leave
Lover, lover, tell me this
Put passion over consequence,
Since when did the latter take the lead?
Just swing
Swing, (swing), swing, (swing), swing, (swing)
Just swing, swing, swing
Just swing
Your not getting off that easily.
I climb the fence,
The one that you've been sitting on.
(How long)
Before I'm just a memory,
(How long)
Before you can't remember me,
(How long?)Remember me.
I never had a choice
I never had a choice
To lead the choke homodyne
Round that to his doorway
I couldn't find the box to fix
The restless nagging in my brain
(How long?)
Before I'm just a memory,
(How long?)
Before you can't remember me,
(How long?)Remember me.
Lover, lover, on the fence
Bat your eyes, ball a fist
And swing (swing) swing (swing)
Before you leave
Lover, lover, tell me this
Passion over consequence,
When did the latter take the lead?
Just swing
Just swing, (swing), swing, (swing), swing
I never had a choice,
I never had a choice,
The evening lit itself
And watched my reservations fall to the floor
Fall to the floor
Now sing with me
(How long?)
Before I'm just a memory
(How long?)
Before you can't remember me,
(How long?)Remember me.
Lover, lover, on the fence
Bat your eyes, ball a fist
And swing (swing) swing (swing)
Before you leave
Lover, lover, tell me this
Passion over consequence,
When did the latter take the lead?
Just swing
Open the gate to your apartment complex
Did you forget love, your who called for me?
(Did you forget, did you forget?)
How long did you expect to keep me waiting?
How long before I'm just a memory?
Lover, lover, on the fence
Bat your eyes, ball a fist
And swing (swing) swing (swing)
Before you leave
Lover, lover, tell me this
Put passion over consequence,
Since when did the latter take the lead?
Just swing
Swing, (swing), swing, (swing), swing, (swing)
Just swing, swing, swing
Just swing
Lyrics submitted by matthew_tm
Swing Lyrics as written by Edward Reyes Adam Burbank Lazzara
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Lyrics powered by LyricFind
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Loving this song. I'm in love with the chorus! I agree with BrianL its basically about a couple that is drifting apart. That is my interpretation.
I will come back later to see other peoples opinions and those of people who spend entire weekends researching quotes from the band on what its actually about. I am forever indebted to you people.